December 9, 2024

As everyone is aware, with the implementation of the Transfinder Software this school year, there have been many changes and adjustments.  We know that some of these changes and adjustments have been uncomfortable at best.  We continue to identify ways to fully implement the software and while doing that, we have encountered new challenges.  

Transportation met collectively with Mr. Hixson and other key players this past week to discuss these challenges and possible solutions.  As part of that meeting, it was determined that the “alternate” sites that are being utilized for student transportation will need to be identified and documented appropriately.

For students being transported to an alternate site or address, this will need to be noted within the SIS (Skyward) as the transportation address.  Again, each student will only be assigned to one pick-up/drop-off address. This is necessary for notifications to reach parents/guardians relative to the individual bus assignment.  Students assigned to more than one address/route would not receive ThrillShare calls for both buses.  Licensed daycare facilities or approved after-school programs are permitted for alternate pick-up and drop-off locations provided they are within the school zone for transportation.

This will be communicated to parents via the Hawkins County Public Schools Website, and the addition of a FAQ’s section will hopefully help alleviate some of the calls and concerns at the school level. 

This is necessary to ensure student safety and reporting regarding school bus transportation.  It is also important to note that any student riding a bus home with a friend or relative MUST have a bus note from the school to provide the driver for every day this occurs.  These instances also need to be documented in the event of an incident or emergency. This is not to be used for routine transportation arrangements.

No student should ever be placed on a bus until the formal transportation assignment has been made by the transportation department.  Please understand this may take 48-72 hours and this should be communicated to the parents when enrolling a new student.  It is of the utmost importance that we keep our information as accurate as possible.